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Rogov and Forum, Hi ..i never had a wine from this winery, i was wondering what can you tell me about them and their wines, if possible pls some Tns as wellwhat would be the current releases in the US, i remember a friend telling me to try these wines and mentioned the 2002, i know its not the best vintage, but.... ?

Founded in 1994 by Ya’akov Fogler, this small winery situated on Moshav Sharai Tikva in the Shomron region draws Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Syrah grapes from the Jerusalem and Judean Mountains, and produces about 2,000 bottles annually. The winery has earned a good name for its distinctly French-style wines, which have had a formal kashrut certificate since 1999.

Following are my tasting notes for those wines currently available and going back to the 2002 vintage. As to availability in the USA, with apologies that is not known to me.

BestRogov

Bustan, Cabernet Sauvignon, 2004: Dark, almost impenetrable royal-purple in color, full-bodied and powerful, with soft, mouth-coating tannins along with aromas and flavors of black currants, blackberries, plums and spices, all with notes of chocolate, minerals and spicy cedarwood. Long and generous. Drink now–2014. Score 91. K

Bustan, Cabernet Sauvignon, 2003: Dark ruby to garnet, medium-bodied, with soft tannins integrating well and with generous but not overwhelming spicy oak. Spicy currant and berry fruits along with chocolate and tobacco on the powerful but elegant finish. Drink now–2011. Score 90. K

Bustan, Syrah, 2005: Full-bodied, with super-soft tannins and opening with a burst of sweet and savory tannins, those parting in the glass to reveal layer after layer of blackberry, plum and citrus peel notes, complemented by notes of black tea, white pepper and, on the long finish, a hint of peppermint. Concentrated, intense, well focused, supple and harmonious with a super-long finish. Drink now–2013. Score 92. K

Bustan, Syrah 2004: Dark garnet, full-bodied, with firm tannins and gentle smoky wood influences. On the nose and palate black fruits, exotic spices and hints of saddle leather and earthy minerals. Long and generous. Drink now–2012. Score 90. KBustan, Syrah, 2003: Aromatic enough to be thought of as perfumed, this full-bodied, chewy and richly tannic wine offers up flavors of blackberries, currants, and boysenberry jam, those with tempting overlays of pepper, wet earth, and just a hint of grilled meat. Deep and intense, with a long, complex finish. Drink now–2011. Score 90. K

Thank you!WOW what notes ! sounds really delicious wines, i liked reading about those "meaty" notes the Merlot and Syrah seemes to be more up my alley.i presume their relativly short life span is to be blamed on the "mevushal" factory, no ?

Not cheap; I think that I paid close to $60/bottle, but worth it for a special occassion.

Matt

Matt hi ,Thank you very much !i in fact found them on the onlinekw site but there is no vintage posted there, its hard to know. but i'll definitly try these winesDiwine i know but they dont ship so i only buy when im in the area (im in NY)

The winery has earned a good name for its distinctly French-style wines

Yakov, a good friend, makes these wines (once or twice with my help ) in his backyard. Yakov is a brilliant man who has studied winemaking and reads scientific winemaking books for fun. His wines are truly made in a garagiste style, but that is not to say that he skimps on any of the lab analysis. He is meticulous and and makes wines that in my (very humble) opinion are quite long lasting. They do throw sediment, but I have recently drunk a '97 (Cab) & '99 Cab & Merlot and they are all VERY MUCH alive and QUITE WELL.